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Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HETA 90-0244-2414, 1994 Apr; :1-38

A health hazard evaluation was conducted in response to a request from employees at Alumax of South Carolina (SIC-3334) Mt. Holly aluminum reduction facility, Goose Creek, South Carolina concerning exposure to welding fumes, airborne dust and other hazards associated with pot change out, cruse cleaning and pure bath activities. The facility was a two potline primary aluminum company which employed about 650 workers. The highest exposures to gaseous and particulate fluorides were limited mostly to workers involved in pot change out and sweeping operations. Potential overexposures could also exist during the knock out of cruse and cruse lid refractory. Airborne metal concentrations were only significant during the cathode repair welding operation. Arsenic (7440382) was not detected in any samples. Static magnetic field levels were as high as 673 gauss (G) at worker's locations but the time weighted average ranged from 150 to 160G. The authors conclude that overexposures to fluorides were possible during pot change out, replacing anodes and sweeping activities. Respirable crystalline silica (14808607) overexposures may occur during removal of the spent refractory liner. The authors recommend specific measures, including air monitoring for gaseous and particulate fluorides and total welding fumes, and monitoring electric and magnetic fields produced at various points in the facility.